The Stairway

A little something from 40+ years ago, written while sitting on the floor of a basketball court as a callow missionary in Lake Placid, New York as I pondered on the immense gratitude I felt for the experiences I had between August 1983 and November 1985. It was then that God taught me that I was not some lost and forgotten soul, a meaningless cipher in a dark and cold universe. Instead, I mattered to Him and I determined to be a disciple. Although I've been an imperfect one, the purpose has been the primary theme and rationale for my life, my raison d'etre. 

I know that you matter to Him, too. Slow down, listen, and let your heart soften enough to really hear Him! Then come and see.


 As I entered into the castle of the great and mighty King,

To be with my friends and family, to laugh and dance and sing,

I found them waging a bloody war with axe and spear and sword.

Their hearts were filled with bitter hate; I watched without a word,

Then looked around to see if I could find a way to help.

To my left the battle raged, each fighting for himself.

To my right a stairway rose into ... I knew not where.

The top of it I couldn't see, but my answer lay up there.

I looked again, the choice was clear and I made up my mind

To climb the stairway rising up and see what I might find.


As I began the great ascent, firm footing I had found

But as I climbed I began to slip and tumble toward the ground.

Reaching, clawing, grasping for something to hold me fast,

I found on each step a golden grip, from the first until the last.

So I held on, pulled up myself and continued on my way

To attain the goal that I had set -- I'd do it come what may!

Eventually, I reached the top. Would my struggling cease?

I found a room with men sitting 'round in serenity and peace.

Upon a throne sat a Man, bearded, robed and strong

I saw my Lord -- the feeling there assured me I was not wrong.

He called to me with a glance to come and kneel before.

The pride within my bosom screamed "Put no knee upon the floor!"

I approached. My pride was crushed as I saw His majesty.

He looked at me with firm, kind eyes. I wondered what He could see.

I looked and Him and proclaimed "My Lord, Thy sword's not found."

He answered me! His voice! What a sweet and pleasing sound.

"My son, I would that you should go. Seek and you shall find."

So simple a command He gave; it settled on my mind.

"But Lord, how will I know when I find for what I seek?"

He placed his hand gently on my arm and softly He did speak:

"My son, I have sent you forth to find. I will show you where to go.

"Follow me, come follow me, and when you find, you'll know.

"I will not abandon you, nor any of my friends.

"But what I ask of all of them is they allow their hearts to bend."

And so I'd heard; I'd received command, and knew that I must go

Out from His presence, descend the stairs and go again below

Into the world where the battle raged and there begin my search

And He has led me step by step into His Kingdom, His Church.

- John P. Daniel

November 1985


see Ephesians 6:17 (11-17)




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